A/N: Hello everyone! I apologize for such a long wait. Real life and writer's block had to be dealt with first. Thanks for sticking with me. Special thanks goes to my pre-reader N. Casale and my Beta madmambear. Please remember to read and review because your opinion matters so very much. Enjoy!
Chapter 13
"Alright, everyone knows what to do?" Jacob asked.
"Yeah, everything is set up. Have you told Bella what you plan to do?" Leah asked Jacob.
"No, not yet...I...we, uh, we've been a little preoccupied for a while," Jacob stated lamely.
Laughing, Embry decided to poke fun at his friend's bashful response.
"Uh, huh, I bet. From the noise and smells coming from here, it seems that everything is alright in the Alpha's world right now."
Giving Embry an unimpressed look, Jacob responded.
"Not yet it isn't. Once we destroy these leeches it will be."
"So, what do you want us to do?" asked Quil.
"We'll meet you at the spot. Do not approach them," Jacob said and the trio walked off.
Jacob closed the door and walked back toward his room. "Who was at the door?" Bella asked Jacob as he entered the room.
"It was Leah, Embry, and Quil. They wanted to go over things that we discussed at the bonfire. Bells, I need to talk to you about that," Jacob said to her as he walked toward the bed and sat next to her.
"Okay. So, what did you come up with?" Bella asked.
"After I tell you the plan we need to get going. Everything has to be timed just right for our success. Honey, I promise you that I will keep you and everyone else here as safe as I can," Jacob said and then proceeded to tell Bella the plan for dealing with the Volturi. After telling Bella his plans, Bella knew that she needed to tell him what she'd dreamt about. As they were getting ready, Bella began to tell Jacob about her dream.
"Jake, while you were talking to the pack," Bella began.
"Our Pack, Bells. They're OUR Pack," said Jacob interrupting her.
"Yes, you're right. While you were talking to Our Pack, I was still sleeping and I dreamt some things. It seems that my mating with your wolf and our lovemaking allowed for more than just you marking me as yours. I spoke with my Grandmother and your mother Jake," began Bella.
Jacob was shocked that Bella was visited by his mother and her grandmother. He couldn't help but remember what enabled him to meet them, so with fear and trepidation Jacob plopped down onto the bed. Bella didn't understand why Jacob was reacting the way he was. She thought he would have been overjoyed to know that she was able to see them. Bella sensed that there was something that she didn't know but needed to know in order for them to work as a team. Bella had learned so much about herself, Jacob, and the Pack in a matter of minutes. She knew that much of what she said Jacob wouldn't like. However, she knew that he'd rather be fully informed than blindsided, like he was with his first phase. Plus, there was no way for them to return victorious if she didn't do this. Bella felt that now she truly had a purpose, that the supernatural couldn't just sweep her along, but now she could enjoy the ride her way.
"Jake, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," Bella asked.
"Funny you should say that Bells. In fact, I too, met your grandmother and my mother. To make a long story short, I was on the verge of death from the newborn fight. I didn't have the will to continue fighting for anything because I knew I had lost you Bells. But before things could get out of hand I visited the spirit world and spoke with your grandmother and my mom. It renewed my purpose and gave me something that I was starting to lose; faith. So if they visited you as well, well I knew that there was something that you needed and only they could give it. So what did they tell you?"
"Oh, Jake...," Bella said guiltily.
"No Bells, none of that. There is nothing to feel guilty over. Everything happens for a reason. Some lessons are harder to learn than others. What matters now is that we have each other and that we will start our lives together once this battle is won. Now tell me about your dream meeting." He turned to Bella and reassured her with her favorite smile.
She sucked in a deep breath to recount her conversation with her grandmother.
'Bella! It is so good to see you! My, you've grown into such a beautiful woman. I couldn't be more proud of you!'
'Grandmother! I thought that I would never see you again!'
"I ran into her open arms. Our reunion felt so wonderful. I took a moment to really look at my grandmother. My father always said that I looked just like her, but I never realized how true it was. I was also shocked by how young she looked. Instinctively I knew that we were of the same kind and that brought about a peace so profound that it brought tears to my eyes."
'Now, now, sweetie, none of that. I'm so glad that you broke free from that entrapment and have finally accepted yourself for who you are: Isabella Marie Swan. No matter what may come your way, remember that that is who you are first and foremost.'
I was trying to stop my tears.
'There is someone else who is here with us, who is dying to meet you. Pun intended.' Grandma Swan laughed. I didn't realize until just then how much I missed her sarcastic wit and humor.
'Hello, Twinkle Bells,' spoke a voice from behind me.
'Mom! I mean, Sarah!'
"I turned around in shock. The only person who ever called me that was your mother. She said that I was always radiant whenever I came to visit. And just like the stars twinkle only at night, my radiance only shown itself to her whenever I visited my dad. I was so overcome with joy as I gazed at her, Jake, the woman who taught me how to cook, who kissed my tears and hurts away, and gave me love unconditional. For all intents and purposes, she was my mom in every way. Jacob, this is what transpired between us!"
'I'm so glad to see you Bella! You are looking more radiant than ever. Love looks good on you,' Sarah said. She opened her arms and I ran into them wholeheartedly. No wonder I always felt at home in Jake's arms. Sarah held me in a similar way.
'I...I just don't know what to say! I mean, am I dead or something? Because two of the most important women in my life are here and I am standing right in front of them!' I am in complete disbelief! Both women chuckled at my statement. I was so filled with love and acceptance that I didn't really care what the reason was that brought me to them. I had an epiphany right then. I now understood why I clung to Esme so much. She was a substitute, a poor one, but a substitute nonetheless for the mothers that I dearly missed. I now understood why I blocked so much of my childhood from my mind.
'Bella, dear, we brought you here to the Spirit World, again, for a reason,' Sarah began.
'Yes, we are so very proud of you and how you regained the missing piece of your soul and how far you've come. There is more that you need to know about being a Catalyst,' this from my grandmother.
'And as the Imprint, Alpha female, and mate to the Alpha Shaman,' Sarah added.
'You...you know about all of that?'I asked; suddenly embarrassed that my grandmother and Jake's mom knew of us having sex.
Chuckling at my blush, Grandma Swan replied, 'Of course we do! That is also part of the reason you are able to be here in the Spirit World without it drawing you in. Your heart and soul are anchored to Jacob and to the living world. You have nothing that the dead can take from you. What I mean is this: you are not missing out on anything if you come here to visit. This world has no power over you. You have power over it.'
"Huh?" was my ingenious response.
'Being the Catalyst, Bella, means so much more than what you thought. Your mating with Jacob has finally brought you into your destiny. The supernatural are just that, supernatural. In most cases humanity is lost or they have nearly nothing left, except for the shape-shifters. The shape-shifters are a rare and exciting blend of the natural and supernatural. Your role in all of this is the equivalent of the role of the Three Sister Goddesses of Fate. Your humanity is what will guide and decide the Pack's life and death. You are the only way they have to balance their life and death cycle,' Grandma Swan explained.
'Your connection to the supernatural could only be made through mating with a supernatural being. However, whether or not you would be here for their good or their destruction would be based upon who you chose for your supernatural mate. If you had continued on your former path to not only mate with a vampire, but to also become one, you would have been corrupted. You would have also condemned my son to a lifetime of torment,' Sarah explained.
Shocked by what Sarah said, I couldn't help but to question why.
'Your mating with a vampire would have created a vampire and human hybrid that would become Jacob's imprint upon your death. The spirits have always chosen the destiny for you and Jacob to be together, by any means necessary. However, with your death and your daughter containing the only remnant and embodiment of your heart and soul, Jacob's wolf would have been forced to imprint. Can you imagine being imprinted to someone you love and yet want to kill at the same time? Jacob's lineage would die because his wolf would not allow him to mate with something that is unnatural and partially undead. Jacob's love would have been torn from him out of duty and devotion to the heart that beats inside of you. Jacob would have found no peace, only torment for as long as the hybrid lived. And that would be for a very, very long time.'
'Your corruption would come from you losing your humanity to become a vampire. Your craving for blood, human and nonhuman alike, would be unparalleled. Your current aversion to blood would have ceased and your constant uncontrollable desire for blood would manifest in its place. You would have become one of the greatest enemies of life there ever was because you would be unable to control the life and death of the supernatural,' Sarah further explained.
I was so overwhelmed by the pain and torment that I almost caused Jacob and humanity itself. At that moment, I hated who I had been. I almost caused the destruction of the man that I loved the most, my better half, my sun. Before I could berate myself further Grandma Swan spoke up.
'Bella, don't. You didn't choose that path so there is no point in worrying over it. Plus, you were under that vampire's venom's influence. If you had not been so strong, and if Jacob had given up, then all would have been lost. It's a good thing that your Grandma and Mother-in-law stepped in, huh?' Grandma Swan said.
That brought me out of my funk. Never had I been as grateful as I was to these two women who helped defy life and death for me and Jacob. As I thought about all of the things that I have been told, I began to understand why the supernatural was attracted to me and me to them. Yet, I was still worried about how we were going to defeat the Volturi when the time came.
'You'll learn more as you go along. Now it's time for you to return. You will be victorious. But, before you go, please pass on our messages,' Sarah said.
'I will, it's the least I can do.'
'Well then, tell my Charlie to move on. Love, true love will find him if he will open himself to it. That love will be blessed,' Grandma Swan said.
Then Sarah spoke.'Tell my Billy that it has been too long that he has been alone. Take Tiffany as his wife. I give them both my blessing and thanks. To Embry, tell him that he has always been a son to me and that I am so proud of the man that he has become and the relationship that he shares with Jacob.
To Rachel and Rebecca, tell my darling girls to remember who they are. Pain is something that you cannot avoid or run from. Rejoice over the fond memories but do not dwell on the pain. Everyone must leave that earthly plain at some point.
To my baby boy Jacob, oh how proud I am of you! You are becoming the man that I always knew you would be. Your heart and smile will always be some of the best qualities that you have. Love hard and lead your Pack and tribe well,' Sarah finished telling me.
Although I knew that I had to leave, I just couldn't help but feel like I was losing them all over again.
'You will not lose us, child. We have been and will always be there for you, even when it is time for you to join us here. We both love and adore you. Have faith in yourself, love who you are, love the man that the Great Spirit has blessed you with, and all of your family through blood, loyalty, and love,' Grandma Swan told me.
"They both kissed me on the cheeks, gave me one last hug, and then I woke up," Bella said when she finished telling Jacob about her trip to the Spirit World. Jacob was surprised that Bella was able to go back to the Spirit World without assistance. Jacob's confidence grew with the knowledge that his plan would succeed based off of the new information that Bella provided. Bella and Jacob rushed out of the house so that they could meet the others. The timing had to be perfect. Jacob phased so that Bella could ride him and so that they could arrive on time to the rendezvous spot.
As Jacob and Bella were on their way, Collin and Brady got into place to meet the vampires. The vamps had not arrived yet so the pups felt that it was safe to talk. They knew that what they did now would make all of the difference in this war. They noticed that no one was too close to be found.
"Alright, we have to stall them just long enough for everything to get set up," Brady said.
"I know. I'll keep them talking, maybe rile them up a bit as a distraction," Collin replied.
"Just don't go overboard. You know Jake will not be too happy if we mess up his plan," Brady warned. He hoped that his best friend's newly found confidence would not hinder him.
The vampires arrived right on time. The wolves and vampires approached each other warily. Collin phased out and Brady stayed phased to allow both protection and communication between the two. Bracing themselves, Collin and Brady waited for the vampires to start the meeting.
"Where is the girl? You were supposed to bring her here. The Volturi do not tolerate others who do not hold up their end of the bargain," Jane said.
"Yea, yea, yea, leech. Bella is on her way. We couldn't have the whole pack after us now could we? Then you'd never get close enough to her. Let's do this my way and we'll both get what we want," Collin said.
"Fine, but make no mistake, the Volturi will not wait too long to retrieve what has been promised," Jane stated.
"Since we're here, who are you guys outside of the Volturi?" Collin asked.
"Why do you need to know?" Jane asked.
"Well, you seem to know so much about us, I just wanted to know about the vampires that will help my Pack reach its potential," Collin answered.
"Hmm...I don't see the harm in knowing who your benefactors are. My name is Jane and my silent partner is known as Demetri. We hail from Volterra, Italy. Now enough with the chit chat, where is Isabella?" Jane said impatiently.
Collin looked to Brady and asked if they were on their way. Brady positively responded by nodding his head up and down."And Bella suspects nothing?" Collin asked and Brady replied the same.
Silently the Pack moved through the trees. It seemed that the spirits were with them as the wind was nonexistent. Armed and ready, Sam shot an arrow with a patch of cloth from the shirt that Bella wore to the bonfire the night before. The arrow landed right between the wolves and vampires.
"What is this? What's going on?" Jane demanded as she stepped back warily, openly scanning the area. Demetri moved into a defensive stance.
"No need to get all defensive! That, Jane, is the signal that Bella is almost here. As you can see we couldn't care less how she arrives. Be patient. You'll get what's coming to you," Collin said trying to placate the cagey vampires.
Before Jane could respond more arrows shot through the trees. Each arrow was tipped with a pouch that exploded upon impact with the forest floor. The smell emanating from each pouch was potent fish oil that began to cover up every smell in the area, including the arrow with the patch of fabric from Bella's shirt. The vampires looked around unsure about what was happening. Jane immediately turned back to Collin.
"Relax. We can't have Jacob knowing that you are taking off with Bella. This is just a precaution to remove any unnecessary issues," Collin assuaged the vampires before Jane could speak.
"This had better not be a trap! The Volturi will not stand for any deceit!" Jane loudly piercing war cries and wolf howls could be heard echoing through the woods. Collin just smiled and phased into his wolf. Growling could be heard from all around. Finally it became clear that the vamps had been set up.
"You dare attack the Volturi?!" Jane screeched in fury.
"Indeed we do, leech!"
Jane tried to use her powers on Collin and Brady but found that they just stood their ground. They had no reaction whatsoever to her attempts. Demetri tried to find Bella through the wolves' mind wavelengths but came up unsuccessful. It seemed that the wolves were able to block their powers. Never before had this happened in all of their years as vampires. Creatures and humans alike had fallen at the Volturi's feet. Yet, this little ragtag group of mongrels and a little slip of a girl had not only stood against them, but they seemed unimpeded by the vampire's powers.
Collin stood straight and defiant while Jane shrieked her discontent with the situation. Jane, blinded by anger, moved to attack Collin. Another arrow flew through the air and caught her cloak on fire. Seeing Jane's cloak on fire, Demetri moved to help her. Brady sprinted toward Demetri to stop him. Collin moved to attack Jane. Jane tried to deflect Collin's attack and tried to remove her cloak at the same time. More arrows flew into the area setting the fish oil on fire. A ring surrounded the vampires as both Collin and Brady try to keep them within the circle to try and ignite any injured part of the vampires.
Collin saw his chance and swiped Jane in her face. His paws also brought sparks alive that connected with Jane's burning cloak. As the cloak swung toward the leech, the venom that was unleashed caught on fire. Collin continued to swipe at Jane, fanning the fire that was already beginning to consume her.
At the same time Brady was keeping Demetri from assisting Jane. Back and forth they moved, yet neither could gain ground against the other. An agonizing scream rendered the air and stopped Demetri in his tracks. He saw Jane on fire and being ripped to shreds by Collin. Brady used this to his advantage. He jumped and aimed straight for Demetri's head, grabbing hold of the vampire's neck with his jaws. Demetri landed blow after blow into Brady's flanks trying to get him off. Collin saw that Jane was mostly burned and rushed to join his brother. Just as Brady began to slip, Collin collided with Demetri's legs. This caused them all to fall. Brady regained his balance as he and Collin ripped Demetri to pieces.***********************************************************************
Meanwhile at the Cullen residence, Aro is growing impatient. He, Marcus, and Caius, along with the rest of the Volturi guard, arrived just before Jane and Demetri departed to retrieve Bella. As time went on with no word from Jane or Demetri, Aro didn't want to show that he was starting to worry about their tardiness. It was unusual for the pair to take so long when retrieving something. Aro looked at the Cullens and found that they were still keeping vigil over Edward, with Jasper and Alice remaining at his side. Out of nowhere Alice gasped as she got a vision of Jane and Demetri's futures completely blacked out. Aro touched Alice and saw the vision for himself. Enraged that two of his prized guards were no longer viable, Aro began to command the remaining guards to move out.
"Carlisle it seems that I am needed elsewhere. All of you must attend me. Bring Edward as well," Aro stated as he and the rest of the Volturi rushed out of the house.
"What is going on Carlisle?" Esme asked with fear evident in her voice.
"I'm not sure. It seems as if things are not going according to plan. There isn't much we can do right now, but follow Aro's orders," Carlisle said.
"So we are to just sit back while the Volturi rip apart the wolves?" Rosalie asked disgusted with the reactions of Carlisle and Esme.
"What would you have us do, Rosalie?" Emmett asked her.
"Just wait, before you say anything else or make a decision. We need to go now, before Aro gets suspicious," Esme told them.
Emmett grabbed Edward and the rest of the Cullens raced out of their house to meet up with the Volturi. They each carefully kept their minds blank to the situation at hand. The Cullens met up with the Italians as they entered La Push. Everyone rushed to the sounds of fighting.
Upon entering the clearing, it was unmistakable why Jane and Demetri never returned. Their bodies were burning as two wolves moved around putting more pieces to the flames. Aro became furious at the sight of two of his most valuable guards dead and defeated. All around the area was fire and a fish odor.
"Who did this?! Who destroyed my guards?!" Aro demanded.
Out of the fire stepped Collin and Brady. Caius' hatred knew no bounds as he gazed at the two young wolves. His worst nightmare had once again appeared right before his eyes. Before anyone could do anything else Caius shot forward and grabbed Brady by the neck instantly snapping it. Just as the young wolf's body dropped Caius was in front of Collin holding him by the muzzle. Collin and Caius began to grapple, neither gaining much over the other. Alec started to use his powers to aid Caius. He was devastated by his twin's demise and swore that she would be avenged.
"No, Alec. This is a fight between Caius and that Child of the Moon. Let him put this demon to rest once and for all. Stand down," Aro stated.
No sooner had Alec begun, he ceased using his power. He saw the wisdom of Aro's words and felt confident that the abomination would suffer aplenty for killing his sister. Collin was suffering from the temporary loss of his senses. However, that was all Caius needed as he ripped Collin's jaws apart. One punch to the skull and Collin was no more.
The Cullens arrived in time to see Collin fall at Caius' hands. Shock and fear raced through them all. They knew that no matter the outcome today, there would be a war and many more casualties added to the number. Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett each decided that they would side with the wolves no matter what.
Out of nowhere a howl so full of grief rent the air. It seemed to echo and dissipate at an alarming rate. The sound permeated the air. The ground began to shake due to the many paws tearing up the earth. Suddenly everything just stopped. No sounds, no movement, nothing could be seen nor heard. Aro, Caius, and Marcus began to look around. Never before had the three kings faced a situation quite like this. They knew that whatever they were up against was mighty indeed and that they had to win in order to survive.
"Carlisle! To the forefront, now!" Aro demanded.
Carlisle knew that to disobey now would only hurt the chances of the wolves destroying the Volturi forever. Carlisle moved to Aro's side. Aro didn't acknowledge him for a short while. Aro was building up his questions and plans to destroy any and everything that came their way, including the Cullens.
"What manner of beasts are these? They do not seem to be Children of the Moon. Yet, they killed two of my most skilled and valuable guards," Aro spoke his thoughts out loud. Before Carlisle could speak, Aro grabbed his hand. Carlisle knew that he would be unable to keep his knowledge of the Pack a secret any longer.
"Ah! I see. No, they are not Children of the Moon, but shape-shifters. Well, we've dealt with their kind before. It will be easy to take them out and annihilate anyone who stands in our way. No wonder the Catalyst was not present with your family. She has taken up protection from these creatures. It doesn't matter. Once the threat is over, dear Isabella will be mine and no one will stop me!" Aro said after he let go of Carlisle's hand. Carlisle made to move back but Aro stopped him.
"Not so fast. Since you made the treaty with them, you and your family must bring them out. I will hold Edward so that you will do what I say. I know that you think of him as a son. What better incentive than to do as you're told for once and return for your coven member? Failure to do so is punishable by death; BY FIRE, and Alec will not be so helpful as to stop your senses. You will feel the agonizing pain of being burned alive. Carlisle, I know well that you will feel the pain of any that you turned yourself. This will affect you deeply. Do I make myself clear?" Aro said.
Carlisle said yes as the rest of the family moved to stand with him. Carlisle led the way toward the direction of Jacob's house. The Cullens ran at top speed, hoping to intercept the wolves and to plead their case. Carlisle knew that it was a slim chance that Jacob would help them, but he knew that he needed to ask anyway. Amile into the forest the Cullens stopped. They were surrounded by the Pack and Bella. Fury could be seen in her eyes as she gazed upon her one time family. The Cullens could see that there would be no way to receive help if they did not get her on their side. Esme hoped that pleading Edward's plight to Bella would give incentive for her to help.
"Bella! We are so very sorry for what happened to you. We never knew that Alice and Jasper would betray you and us the way that they did. Poor Edward was merely a pawn in their devious game. It was never any of our intentions for you to be harmed. We are so sorry for the loss of your wolves, Jacob. If there was any way that we could have stopped them, we would have. Please, you must help us. The Volturi holds Edward hostage. Surely, you do not hate him, too, now that you know the truth. Edward has always loved you and wanted what was best. Please help us," Esme spoke to both Bella and Jacob.
Jacob lay flat so that Bella could get down. Once her feet touched the ground and she was steady, Jacob phased. Unashamed of his nudity, his glare at the Cullens kept them from looking anywhere else. Jacob grabbed Bella's hand encouraging her to speak first.
"Why? Why should we help you? Any of you? You all knew what was happening and yet you stood by and did nothing. The only one of you who even tried to stop things was Rosalie. I have nothing to say to any of you except her. The rest of you, including Edward can go to hell," Bella said very calmly. Only Jacob knew the iron clad hold Bella held over her anger and hurt.
"Rosalie, what do you have to say for yourself? Bells acknowledged that you are the only one worth saving. Speak now or you will all face my wrath for the death of my wolves," Jacob said.
"Bella, Jacob, thank you for allowing me to speak. I have to say that Carlisle and I were in fact against you joining our family upon the discovery of how you were ultimately being controlled by Edward's venom. We discussed how we were going to get you away from our family, Edward and Alice especially, when the wolves did it for us. In that time there was really no way to communicate with you what was going on. We were not sure if you were still under his control and if you were, we weren't sure if you wanted to be free. I must admit, that when I saw the turmoil that Edward was going through just a few short hours ago, I was ecstatic. I knew that you were gaining control over yourself again and that no one would be able to control you as a puppet again. I knew then that you were finally free," Rosalie said.
"Where are Alice and Jasper? Surely you don't expect us to believe that you wouldn't want them to be saved as well? They are your coven members," Jacob pointed out.
"I can assure you that nothing would please me more than to see them burn. This whole mess is due to them and their schemes. Poor Edward, NOT! While it is true that Alice manipulated him, he still had the choice of letting you go. Yet, he didn't, so now his fate is sealed right along with theirs. The only thing that I ask is that you allow us to join you in the fight against the Volturi and spare us our existence. We will leave this land and never venture on to it again." Rose hoped that she could at least bargain for Carlisle and Emmett to be free. She really held no hope for Esme because she knew that her attachment to Edward would blind her from what was right and that she really and truly hurt Bella by fulfilling the motherly role only to leave her without a word.
Neither Jacob nor Bella said anything. The Pack remained, surrounding the Cullens ready to rip them apart at the word. Their innate hatred for the undead grew to increasing levels as each member remembered how Collin and Brady died. The only thing standing between the Pack and the Cullens were Jacob and Bella.